Vehicles for Sale Nearby

2002 Buick Rendezvous Class Action?

Does anyone know if there is a pending Class Action Against Buick on the 2002 RDV Model? We have a CX that we purchased used in June 2005. Since then, we have replaced the manifold intake gasket ($500)(at about 46k/mi) it needs an A/C Compressor before the weather gets hot here and it is in the shop as I speak with a leaking Head Gasket...possibly more, because it had a gush of anti-freeze that let loose last Thursday (like Niagara-Falls!) The more I read...this is par for the course with this model. Something should really be done. Just talk to a mechanic and they are familiar with this problem...please tell me someone has addressed this with an attorney!!!

Comments

I HAVE HAD MANY OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS ALSO---ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND IT ONLY HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT. TWO WEEKS BEFORE I WAS DUE TO HAVE MY CHILD THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THAT WAS SCARY...I BELIEVE THE A/C COMPRESSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED LIKE YOURS BEFORE THE WEATHER GETS WARM. AND MY HUSBAND IS DRIVING IT NOW TO SEE WHAT HE THINKS THE GRINDING NOISE MAY BE--(BRAKES WERE JUST REPLACED) I HOPE IT'S NOT THE WHEEL BEARINGS.VERY UNRELIABLE CAR!!!

At the present time I'm not aware of any class actions against Buick for the 02 RDV.GM built the 3100 and 3400 V-6 engines for 8 years (1995-2003) with well known intake and head gasket issues and has gotten away without a recall so dont expect anything on the RDV.

We got rid of our lemon 2002 CXL AWD Buick over two years ago and it became someone elses problem.We took a $6000 bath on our RDV but were happy just to get rid of it.A trouble free 2004 Toyota Highlander replaced it.If you will read thru all the RDV forums on Edmunds you will see that I've been highly vocal about what lemons the 2002 RDV's are.

The 2002 RDV's are plagued with such problems as BCM's,intake gaskets,head gaskets,AC condensors,wheel bearings,stalling and not starting,etc.

Consumer Reports rates the 2002 RDV below average for reliability.Its a shame as they are a roomy and nice riding vehicle.The quality just wasnt there.

DID YOU EVER SOLVE THE "WOULDN'T START PROBLEM"? I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON 2 DIFFERENT OCASSIONS. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT WAS WHEN I FILLED THE GAS TANK- CAR WOULD NOT START-- WAITED ABOUT 20 MINUTES & THE CAR STARTED-- WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INPUT THANKS

which has an article all about the intake manifold problem, and states that GM is well aware of it. It also sounds like if you're persistent enough, GM might pay for the repair.

In case the link breaks, here's the story:

CTV lifts hood on potential problem in some GM cars

Kathy Tomlinson, CTV News

It's a simple component buried deep under the hood -- in some 1 million General Motors vehicles sold in Canada alone. It has the potential to cause huge headaches though, for the GM vehicle owners.

It's an intake manifold gasket, put in at the GM factories, in some makes and models between 1995 and 2003. According to GM's own internal service bulletin, the part can "degrade" -- causing coolant to leak -- sometimes into the engine. Several vehicle repair mechanics told CTV that in the worst case scenario, the coolant mixes with engine oil -- making the oil ineffective -- and damaging the engine.

They say in extreme cases, the engines overheat and seize completely -- which means the vehicles need complete engine replacements. Some GM customers have been hit with repair bills of up to $5000 -- after their warranties have expired.

"I started to cry," said Ontario resident Lisa Slatter, whose 2002 GM Montana needs at least $1700 worth of repairs. "I cried and I cried because I thought I don't know how I'm going to pay for this."

Slatter's problems started when her vehicle had less than 100,000 kilometres on the odometer. It was leaking coolant, she said, and her warning light was on. An independent mechanic diagnosed a leaking intake manifold gasket -- and told her she should get it replaced.

Eventually, her GM Montana broke down completely. Now, she needs a new head gasket -- a significant repair.

"I didn't know (how serious that problem was) until my thermostat was over in the red," Slatter said. "It totally overheated. Because the coolant was gone."

"This is absolutely not normal wear and tear," said Kirk Robinson, an independent mechanic who worked as a GM service technician several years ago. He also hosts a call-in cable TV show in Toronto, called "Auto Talk".

Robinson agrees with several other mechanics, who told CTV they see and hear from GM customers with the same problem almost every day. Kirk told us he does repairs associated with GM intake manifold gaskets at least once a week -- and says it's the number one complaint he hears during his call-in show.

"It's very well known in our industry that this is a fault," he said. "It's definitely a manufacturing defect."

It turns out that GM has known about the problem for years. CTV obtained copies of four GM internal service bulletins -- from 2001 to 2004 -- warning General Motors dealers about the potential problem. For example, in 2001, GM wrote:

"Some owners may comment on excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold." "Upper intake manifold composite material may degrade...and could result in an internal or external coolant leak."

GM's service bulletins list several vehicles potentially affected -- 23 makes and models manufactured between 1995 and 2003. Since then, GM has come out with a new, improved intake manifold gasket. Still, mechanics say, the old part continues to break down in vehicles that haven't had it replaced.

Robinson, for one, thinks GM should have called all the potentially affected vehicles in for full repairs, when they first identified the problem.

"I think they should have brought (the affected vehicles) back and fixed it a lot sooner," he said.

"I think this is the biggest problem that I've ever seen with automobile manufacturers," said Phil Edmonston, who writes the consumer car guide Lemon Aid. "I really believe it's the biggest problem GM has ever had."

There's an on-line consumer petition -- with 11,000 signatures from GM customers -- calling for a voluntary "goodwill" recall by GM. In Canada, The Automobile Protection Association has logged 800 complaints. There are class-action lawsuits brewing in the U.S., where Edmonston now lives.

"The way to fight is just simply send a registered letter or an e-mail (to GM)," Edmonston told CTV, during an interview in West Palm Beach, Florida. "If your vehicle is not reasonably durable and has a mechanical defect, any judge on any bench -- small claims up to the Supreme Court of Canada -- can make that company pay."

Edmonston said he knows of several cases where GM has paid for intake manifold gasket repairs -- beyond the warranty period -- when customers have made a big fuss. He believes GM should now cover all related repairs, on all its affected vehicles.

CTV asked General Motors several times for an on-camera interview. The company sent a statement instead, which says, in part:

"An intake manifold gasket concern can arise from a variety of causes. It is for this reason that any concern a customer may have beyond the warranty period is handled on a case by case basis," wrote Stew Low, director of communications for GM Canada.

He also indicated there will be no voluntary recall of affected vehicles.

"GM does not plan to issue any type of goodwill action regarding the intake manifold gasket situation."

When my local GM service guy first told me about the coolant leak from the lower intake manifold gasket earlier today, he said it would cost $700 to repair. He said he had no knowledge of it being a common problem. I called back an hour or so later--after having done a little research here on Edmunds and some Google searching--and spoke to a different guy (the first guy was at lunch). Told him I believed it was a common problem, that GM even knew it was common, that I had been coming there for 5 years and would like to be able to continue doing so, and didn't think I should have to pay for the repair. He said he'd talk to the service manager (or somesuch higher up).

Got a call from guy #1 a few minutes ago and was told that they'd decided that they would do the repair for me if I paid a $100 "deductible" and the rest would be covered by the warranty (not sure what warranty since mine ended over a year ago). I decided to take the offer since I figured that $100 is worth the time and effort and frustration I'd have put into trying to get it done for free, etc. Had they come back and said $350, I was prepared to tell them that that was unacceptable and then I'd try to get it done for free (or at least for less than $350).

I've had the BCM replaced, the air conditioner condensor replaced, and now the intake manifold gasket leak. Only one left is the ball bearings. :mad:

Hi, I've also had that grinding noise for a while, i also noticed my mpg fell by 3 mpg. The car had a total meltdown over the weekend and it turns out it was the differential. Has I known about this sooner it would have been only a fluid change. Which would have prevented a $3,600.00 Repair--luckily GM is covering the repair-no clue why but the dealer got it cover after two phone calls to GM. Strongly suggest you get that checked

Will my 2002 Rendezvous run OK on E-85 fuel? By the way, I found the discussion above very interesting. We love our Rendezvous. It gets driven in town traffic most of the time and has never given us any problems.

I wish I had found this site before buying our 2002 rendezvous in Jan/06. Being used, the dealer - Riverside Auto in Guelph ON, has been NO help whatsoever. We have lost count of the number of times it hasn't started, usually when we stop for gas. Wait awhile & it usually starts. Today, it's been 3 hours & still won't start. The A/C doesn't work & the latch on the console broke within days of us taking delivery. I've noticed that it wants to stall at high speed.My question is- does replacing the fuel pump correct the starting problem? Someone please reply as it's a very expensive repair that I don't want to have done if that is not the problem. All replies appreciated. Thank you- Lorrie :mad:

Having similar problems. Why did you replace the BCM? I am having security issues, once the battery is disconnected, the radio is in security and so is the entire vehicle in SECURITY and the message states to service vehicle soon.I also had the intake manifold replaced and so did my son's. Both 2002 Rendezvous.

I to had this "Security" issue with my 2002 Rendezvous. We had to replace the BCM. Took care of that problem. A few months later we had "traction control" issues. Had to replace the front left wire harness. The traction control light was coming on and you could hear a grinding noise. When my BCM went, the lights would stay on, windows wouldn't go down, horn would honk, door locks would lock and unlock. When you unhook the battery and rehook, it will correct it TEMPORARILY. It will come back and get worse!! Good Luck....

Don't give up without a fight. Call GM and make them pay. They know that the BCM is a MAJOR problem in these cars as well as the A/C condensor, and the wire harness. They should have recalled this model a LONG time ago. Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Welcome to my world!!Suzanne

You seem to have problem with the BCM. This is the Computer module. Same thing happened to our 2002 RDV. It would stall at the gas station when we stop to get gas, and would start after few minutes. Luckily we had this problem when the warranty was in effect. So, they replaced it under warranty. We also had problems with leaking manifold/head gasket, wheel bearings, and the A/C. We paid through our nose for all the repairs other than the BCM. GM refused to cover the repairs because the warranty expired.

This is the worst car we ever had. We have been a very loyal GM owners throughout our lives (we are in our 50s, and have owned lots of GMs). This is not the way any company should do business or treat their customers. We will never purchase GM product again.

I have a 2002 CXL RDV with now 90,000 miles on it. I have had some of the same problems with my car. I had the very bad whining noise from the back and no one could hear it but me... I eventually made them flush my differential fluid (total of $401) and the sound went away. They also said that there is always going to be a little bit of noise unless major repairs were made, but they basically said my differential was fine. I have no noise now. Another problem I have been having is my AWD DISSABLE light and Anti-Lock light has been coming on periodically. Also when I pushed on the breaks I would sometimes feel and hear resistance kind of like a grinding noise. I was told it was my front right wheel sensor needing to be replaced which consisted of the entire hub assembly needing to be replaced (cost $368) I had already had my breaks replaced and two other mechanic shops say my bearings were fine. After all of that it took about a month for the grinding noise to come back and just today the lights for my AWD Disable and Ant-lock came on.... So, I wonder if they are now going to tell me my left front wheel sensor needs to be replaced... I wonder if I have air in my break line. I don't know what's wrong!!! I just want this to stop! I just got the car in December and I've already had $1200.00 worth of repairs!!! Can anyone tell me what's wrong with my car now?? The mechanics aren't doing anything to help..

Then i called local reliable Car Repair shop & told me it will take 3 to 4 hours to install it at $50/hour plus whatever freon cost. So if you have any problem just get parts from online at ebay. I called GM dealer and told them if i get parts from outside would you fix it. SAid "NOPE" DAMN!

Stay about form this Buick Rendezvous. I hear all kind of noises from my BUick rendezvous.

Anyway i am thinking to buy this new SUV, TOYOTA Highlander HYBRID. ANy thoughts??? I am still shopping at EDMUNDS.COM . Stay away from this Rendevous......its looks great but not worth it.

I had this two months ago...it's not the wheel sensor. It's the wire harness. I called GM and insisted that they pay for this. They did. I have also replaced the BCM twice and the AC Condensor. It was the SAME problem...Anti lock lights came on, service traction control...the whole nine yards. GM should have recalled this car a LONG time ago.

I had this when the car turned 15,000 miles. It took them 20,000 miles to find the problem. It was wiring. Now I have 60,000 miles on the car and the same problem has returned. The ABS kicks in when it shouldn't and the AWD disabled lite and the anti-lock brake lites are coming on. They replaced a hub assembly. Didn't fix the problem. Has it back in the shop today and they basically told me that I am not feeling what I think I feel. To drive it and when it happens again, not to turn the car off. Call them and drive right over so they can hook me up to the computer. I will never buy another American car. They tell me that there are many things that can cause the ABS to behave the way it is.

It seems that many 2002 Buick Rendezvous owners are having the same similiar problems that we are currently and have been having. I love my car but I have to say the way it was built is a headache. Not all are made of money and can easily just go out to buy another vehicle to replace this terrible made automobile. Yes, indeed a regret to buy this kind of SUV but why bother when whats done is already done. Can't try to sell it or trade it when knowing the problems that are occuring because of the guilt you would feel. It will then be someone else's problem that can lead to a lawsuit or even worst accident. Dealerships can't fix intermittent problems, GM company will not make any recalls, so what can we possibly do? Well we've reported a safety issue to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in March of 2006 but so far no word. Here are the problems we have been and currently have: :mad:

1. Internal and External lights all shut off even when car is running (SAFETY ISSUE!!!) We've had incidents while driving on highway during night hours and all lights just shut off causing complete darkness long up to a minute. Happens anytime of the day! BCM was replaced but it did not fix anything. Started just couple of months after we bought it brand new and til this day it still occurs.

3. Starting car is hard to start as if it will stall. Beginning Aug. 5th 2006 the car won't start at all and is stuck in my garage. July 31st was last driven and it took couple of starts to get the car to start adn it drove fine and no problems starting until August 5th when it just shut down.

As far as reporting it to National Highway, I guess there are just couple of people that has this kind of issue so, maybe that is the reason why no recalls have been made nor feedback on these complaints. Judging from this forum it looks like there are many more complaints on this forum than the National Highway complaints, why so? You want a recall, you want your problems solve, you want to spend less, you want to enjoy your car, REPORT THE COMPLAINT!

So, we are left with a faulty car in hopes that GM will make these recalls and we are left with us pulling out our hairs for the expenses we have to make to get this vehicle fix. Why not do something about it? Make a complaint (already did), lawsuit (can't afford a lawyer), and an easy way to get back at the GM...Spread the word and do not buy there cars. Maybe it will make GM realize that you can't just sell something and leave your customers in the dark. Is GM that heartless? :confuse:

I am very helpless......I drove my 2002 RNDVZ for year and half without A/C because i can't afford to put new condensor & labor to fix it. finally i had to replace it last month in july 2006. I can't afford Dealer mechanic because they were very expensive so had to go thru local mechanic. Just fixed the condensor last month and week later, A/C compressor started making lots of noise and head gasket licking ....dealer quoted me $2350.00 for parts and labor to fix it. I can't belive it...I just had to put brand new condensor and now compressor and head gasket......I don't have that much $$$$$$$ to fix it. I am stuck and helpless. i have only one car and that i can't repair because of big expense to fix it...i am not rich ....but i don't have other option besides to fix it otherwise how i go anywhere without car...but i am helpless becasue i don't have money....Very helpless

My sympathies- we have the same problem. We still owe $'s on the car- we have no A/C, we have the continued starting problem (the one that GM denies),and I'm worried about the head gasket & computer. :lemon:

Fortunately, mine was done under warrantee. I'll tell you the extended warrantee paid off with this car. I just traded it in because they refused to do anything about my continued problems with the ABS engaging. One mechanic told me it was the computer, another told me the testing was inconclusive. They didn't want to but a $2,000 part in!!!

What is the name of the dealership and city or telephone number. My car has just started doing the same thing and I would like for my dealer to talk to the your shop to see what they have done to fix it.

Sorry to hear all the problems that you guys had. I was in the same boat. However, now I can say that is all in the past now. I just traded-in my 2002 RDV today, and I definitely did not purchase another GM vehicle. Best of luck to all of you.

Over 2 years ago we dumped our lemon 2002 CXL RDV at a big loss!No dealer wanted to give us anything in trade for a 2 yr old 35,000 mile RDV.We finally got a new 04 Toyota Highlander Limited that has been great so far.

I decided my next car will not be GM either after spending thousands of dollar on my 2002 RDVZ... Can't even trade-in because Dealer want it very cheap (even GM dealer know about its reputation)...so stay away from Buick/Gm. Go for toyota or Honda.